As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, an obstetrician is a doctor who “specializes in delivering babies and caring for people during pregnancy and after they give birth.” The right obstetrician can help to ensure that a pregnancy (and its aftermath) is as safe and healthy for the mother and the child as possible. Choosing an obstetrician can feel daunting. In this article, you will find an overview of the key things that you should consider when selecting your obstetrician.
Five Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Obstetrician
Are you preparing to select an obstetrician? It is not a decision to make lightly. It is important to find an OB-GYN who has the knowledge, professional skills, and personal characteristics that you feel comfortable with. Here are five specific things that you should consider when you are picking an obstetrician:
- Experience: An obstetrician is a specialist. Most pregnant mothers feel far more comfortable when they choose and experience OB-GYN who has guided many people and families through pregnancy. You can ask questions about an obstetrician’s experience in the field, including when and where they got their training, at the outset.
- Patient Reviews: You can learn a lot about a medical provider from reviewing what their former patients have to say. An obstetrician with a history of positive reviews may be someone who works well for you and your family. You may want to consult with your family, your friends, and/or online review sites.
- Personal Comfort: Ultimately, your obstetrician is going to be someone who you are going to be working with and going to for pregnancy-related questions. If you are not personally comfortable with a particular obstetrician, then it does not matter how skilled or experienced they are—you are probably simply better off going with another doctor. The reality is that your personal comfort matters. A trip to the obstetrician should not be overly stressful. You should feel welcome and supported.
- Insurance Coverage: Do not forget to think about your health insurance coverage. Does your obstetrician take your insurance? You do not want to be stuck with unexpected bills because you inadvertently selected an uncovered/out-of-network OB-GYN. Think about insurance at the outset.
- Location: Finally, location matters. The recommended guidelines state that a pregnant mother should seek prenatal care once per month during the first 28 weeks of her pregnancy and even more frequently after that. An obstetrician that is difficult to get to may cause you headaches down the road.
A Negligent Obstetrician Can Contribute to Birth Injuries
The right obstetrician makes a pregnancy safer. A negligent obstetrician can contribute to birth injuries and other serious health problems. As a licensed physician with a specialty area of practice, an obstetrician has a professional responsibility to provide high quality care to patients. Both mothers and infants deserve proper care. An obstetrician may be held legally liable for the medical errors that result in a birth injury through a malpractice claim. For more information, consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
